The Legacy of Shea Butter: A Ritual, A Remedy, A Revolution
“Shea butter is my go-to. It’s nature’s ultimate moisturizer—pure, simple, and effective.” — Lupita Nyong’o In the ever-expanding world of beauty and self-care, few ingredients have the legacy and sheer efficacy of shea butter. Extracted from the nuts of the West African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), this rich, buttery elixir has been the cornerstone of […]
Guzangs Spotlight: African Fashion’s Leap into 2025
African fashion history showcases a rich diversity of cultural expressions, from early garments like loincloths and wraps to the development of iconic textiles such as Bogolanfini, Kente, Adinkra, and the adoption of Ankara prints. Trade and colonization introduced new fabrics, blending with local styles to create unique fashion statements. Clothing in Africa has always been […]
Our African Hairitage: Filmmaker Adanna Madueke’s documentary celebrates the uniqueness of various African hairstyles.
There is an overwhelming eloquence Adanna Madueke possesses, most especially the way she speaks about the virtues and vices of the natural hair movement; it’s seemingly calming. And as she speaks, making quick jokes intermittently, the panel room bursts into a subtle laughter. For the filmmaker, content creator and natural hair advocate, it feels like […]
A Homecoming for Culture and Creativity: Gabriel Moses Brings All Day I Dream About Sports to Dakar
Dakar woke to an air of excitement on December 13, 2023, as the Dakar Court International Film Festival prepared to showcase a milestone moment: the premiere of Gabriel Moses’ short film, All Day I Dream About Sports. The project, brought to life in collaboration with Pharrell Williams and Adidas, was not just a film but […]
Asheri Masse’s Lady by Ash Redefines Sustainable Luxury with Effortless Simplicity
In a world dominated by fast fashion, I had the pleasure of speaking with Asheri Masse, the founder and creative director of Lady by Ash—one of Africa’s emerging slow-fashion brands committed to environmental sustainability. Our conversation delved into the brand’s journey, exploring how creativity and vision intersect with a conscious consumerism business model. Despite the […]
Don Estelle: Redefining Storytelling Through Costume Design
Zambian costume designer Estelle Don Banda is gaining recognition in the film world, most notably for her work on the critically acclaimed On Becoming a Guinea Fowl. Recently shortlisted for the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) in the Costume Designer category, Estelle’s talent lies in her ability to weave cultural authenticity into compelling storytelling. “Costumes […]
Kohl Through the Ages: A Heritage of Beauty Meets Modern Black Friday Savings
Kohl: a single product with centuries of beauty, mystery, and cultural significance. For centuries, kohl has been more than a cosmetic. It is a symbol of heritage, identity, and cultural pride, transcending borders and generations. From its origins in ancient Africa to its widespread use across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond, kohl remains […]
Kente Gentlemen: Crafting a Legacy of Boldness and Culture Through Fashion
It began with two shirts. When Aristide Loua, a math graduate living in South Carolina, received two wax-print shirts from his mother in Côte d’Ivoire, something stirred in him. The shirts were not just garments. They were memories, fragments of home — the colors, the patterns, the stories. Aristide could almost hear the laughter of […]
Jardin Jollof: A Modern Ode to African Heritage
In Senegal, where the threads of West African culture intertwine, Sambacor Konaté tells a story in pictures rather than words. A visual artist, he weaves together the old and the new in what he calls “Jardin Jollof.” The work is a celebration of African heritage, embedded in every element, from the décor to the plants […]
Romzy’s “Skin Print” Collection: A Bold Celebration of Diversity
In the vibrant tapestry of African fashion, Roméo Moukagny’s brand, Romzy, emerges as a beacon of visionary elegance. His latest creation, the “Skin Print” collection, is not merely a line of clothing—it is a profound exploration of diversity and individuality. After three years of meticulous crafting, “this collection offers a timeless ode to the unique […]